Genesis programme results in 18 new companies

The industries these new companies are pursuing include electronics, energy conservation, e-commerce, healthcare, software development, telecommunications and water monitoring.

At the end of each year’s programme, the participating businesses are presented to the public in a showcase exhibition with the achievements of particular businesses in reaching commercial milestones being recognised in an awards ceremony.

The winner of the AIB Genesis Emerging Business of the Year and a cheque for €2,500 was Gareth Cuddy, DirecteBooks.com. Established in 2009, DirecteBooks.com is Ireland’s only dedicated e-book retailer offering more than 200,000 e-books for sale worldwide.

The Business Development Achievement Award and €1,250 went to James Kennedy of Unified Computing, which simplifies the content creation process in the 3D animation industry by making many forms of rendering resources seamlessly accessible to studio artists.

The Market Entry Success Award and a prize of €1,250 went to Daniel Bradfield of AirDryer Systems, which was set up to manufacture and distribute a new product based around an innovative new method of drying the laundry called The Marilyn.

Business Plan of the Year and €1,250 was awarded to Seamus Kerrigan, SmartComm, which provides a mobile payment solution which allows consumers to find and purchase local services via a personalised experience on their smartphone.

The Award for Opportunity Investigation and €1,250 went to Pat O’Leary, Faaltech, a real-time water monitoring company developing affordable sensors and communication platforms to rapidly detect changes in water quality 24/seven.

The Sales Strategy and Achievement Award was presented to Barry Walsh, Green Your Goods.ie. GreenYourGoods.ie allows individuals, fundraisers and businesses to earn the most money possible from used electronic gadgets. Barry received €200 along with a four month sales mentoring package from Sales Solution.

What is the Genesis Enterprise Programme?

The Genesis Enterprise Programme is a 12-month rapid incubation programme designed to nurture, support and develop entrepreneurs starting innovative knowledge-based businesses in the South West Region.

During the past 12 years, Genesis has supported almost 200 people and teams in starting their businesses. More that 70pc of the start-up businesses are in operation today employing more that 1,400 people.

More than 50pc of the businesses are trading internationally and 40 businesses have gone on to be designated High Potential Start Ups by Enterprise Ireland.